Cook backing Bopara to finally make his breakthrough in Test arena

Alastair Cook backed his under-fire Essex team-mate Ravi Bopara to come good at the highest level, starting in the vital second Investec Test against South Africa at Headingley, which begins on Thursday.

After injury scuppered his two previous comeback attempts this year, against Sri Lanka and West Indies, Bopara began his third spell in England’s Test side with a duck and 22 in the thrashing at The Oval, falling to poor shots on both occasions.

In the wake of such a loss there was even speculation he may be sacrificed in favour of a fifth front-line bowler, with wicket-keeper Matt Prior promoted to take his place at No 6.

Put to the Test: Ravi Bopara is under fire

But Cook, whose 20th Test hundred in south London took him within one of captain Andrew Strauss and three short of a new record for the most Test centuries by a England batsman, believes his county colleague deserves and will get the support of the management.

Cook, who, as one-day captain, watched Bopara find promising form in the 4-0 win over Australia, said: ‘Ravi played quite nicely in that second innings and looked in control before he dragged on a wide one from Dale Steyn.

‘I think he’s taken a massive stride forward over the past 12 months. The one-day series against Australia showed what a good player he is. He stood up to the pressure there. What with the baggage from the Tests, to go out and play as well as he did and lead us home on a number of occasions, there is no reason to suggest he won’t do it here.

‘Clearly, he needs a bit of time to feel settled into the team and, hopefully, he’ll be given that.

Backing Alastair Cook

‘The pressure of playing for England is there when you’re trying to establish yourself, when you’re desperate to make that one score or two that will get you a run in the side.

‘England sides have been very consistent and have given people good chances. He is quite relaxed, but he’s itching to do well. Hopefully, things will take care of themselves because he is a quality player.’

Bopara — due to play for Essex against Worcestershire in the CB40 today before meeting up with the Test squad tomorrow — has also been supported by Geoff Boycott, one of three batsmen holding the record for England Test centuries of 22, alongside Colin Cowdrey and Wally Hammond.

‘Bopara is the right man to play,’ said Boycott. ‘Whether he is good enough is a different matter, but he has to be given a proper go.’

A host of contenders for the No 6 spot will line up for England Lions against Australia A at Old Trafford on Thursday week.

Investec, the specialist bank and asset manager, are the title sponsor of Test Match cricket in England.